EL CAJON, California — As the ASA Truck Series has traveled thousands of miles across numerous states in 2011, they head to the final event this upcoming weekend at the Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway in Blythe. All eyes are on points and finishing for the top five drivers, along with another potential first time winner as this season has produced a number of those. This season has seen some crazy races to begin the year, some interesting finishes and unexpected winners, the true colors will shine through when the 2011 Champion is crowned and it is anyone’s trophy. The top five in points are only separated by 34 points and the top two spots are only four points apart between Jeff Catlin and Taylor Miinch. With two points on the line for qualifying alone, the importance of the entire event are critical to deciding our champion. Make sure to come to the I-10 Speedway to see an exciting night of fast racing on the ¼ mile oval in Blythe.
The two top drivers in contention for the title have a lot in common and will represent the series well if either is named our 2011 Champion. Both Catlin, from Gilbert, Arizona and Miinch, from Alpine, California would be first time ASA Truck Champions, they both have a love for road course racing with oval track racing a close second, both drivers are equally well-liked by their peers and have a smile on their face at each race. Miinch may only be 17 years old, but has 13 years racing experience and has won the IFK National Championship five times. Catlin has 18 years racing experience and many of those years were spent in the ASA Truck Series and he can taste that elusive championship close at hand. As those two battle for the top spot, don’t underestimate the next group of drivers all within six small points apart for third, fourth and fifth! Branden Underwood is currently in third and is coming off the high of his first victory last race in Lake Havasu. Mike Herda, from Las Vegas, Nevada, has also had his first win this year, finishes consistently up front and has made the last few shows quite exciting with intense, good racing. Herda will be chased closely by Jason Black, from Glendale, Arizona who also has many years in the ASA Truck Series and sees third place in his reach. Jason Black’s entire family has been around to support and crew his team for many years and a top five finish in the points is well earned by all of them. Each of the drivers in the series has raced with respect and talent all year long and made for a great season going into the last event.
There is a new driver joining the series, Kevin Bates, from San Diego, California, who plans to run this race and then come back for the entire 2012 season. Other drivers that are new to the series this year and have made it to the end will also be in Blythe as Barrister, Shunk, Catania and Riefler all have gained the knowledge to make next year a success. As Jeremiah Wagner has only run a few events each season, don’t count him out as a top contender to take the fast qualifying spot and precious points from the top drivers and finish up front as he has matured into a skilled driver as well. The weekend will be “spooktacular” as the fans celebrate Halloween and the teams hope to have some “tricks” to get some “treats” in the end. There are also Owner points at stake this year as Kevin Smith with ATK Motorsports leads that list going into the final night. As an independent owner, Jeff Catlin has maintained second and Keith Underwood is in third who has kept on top of the list and isn’t part of a two or three truck team. Good luck to those owners as well who put in long hours and hard-earned money to support the ASA Truck Series and their drivers.
Remember to support our series sponsors by using products and services from the following vendors: Jim Van Gordon Racing Engines, Mike Naake Suspension Specialist, QA 1 Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, Hoosier Tires, DJ Safety, Frank's Radios, Luke’s Transmission, Advertising Edge, Mechanix Wear, Mallory/ACCEL/Mr. Gasket, TOYOTA, POLYDyn TX7, Brink Designs and STR.
The ASA Trucks are 2,450 pounds, full tube chassis, 108 inch wheelbase, 375+ horsepower V-8’s, fired by Mr. Gasket’s - Mallory / ACCEL ignition systems and VP Race Fuel, with 2-speed direct drive transmissions and Speedway Engineering aluminum quick change rear ends on 8-inch Hoosier Racing Tires and Allied Racing Wheels and can reach speeds of 105 MPH at the ½ mile TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale oval and 150 MPH on the 2.1-mile road course at Firebird International Raceway. The ASA Trucks sport exact replica Norris Racing fiberglass bodies in Chevy S-10, Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma.
If you would like to find out more about the ASA Truck Series and how your company could be part of the growing excitement across the nation about this dynamic series, contact Todd or Lisa McLauchlan at 619-596-6816 / mcracers@prodigy.net or go to www.asatruckseries.com. Our Facebook page is: asa-truck-series and we have a YouTube page as well with exciting videos to view.
To learn more about the ASA Member Tracks and Sanctioned Series in your area, please visit www.asa-racing.com. The American Speed Association started as a single racing series in 1968 and is a fast growing racing sanctioning body today. The ASA Member Track program sanctions dirt and asphalt short tracks along with road courses around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information call (386) 258-2221, or send an email to info@asa-racing.com. The latest news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA can be found by visiting www.ASA-Racing.com. ASA®, ASA Racing®, American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC.
